Description
The Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake is a quintessential comfort food dish that combines creamy textures with simple, hearty ingredients. Ideal for a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering, this casserole features tender chicken pieces enveloped in a creamy sauce, fluffy rice, and a golden, cheesy topping. Easily assembled and baked to perfection, this dish promises to be a delightful treat that appeals to both adults and children alike.
Ingredients
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 (10.5 oz) cans cream of celery soup
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken fillets, cubed
- 2 cups white rice, uncooked
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
Step-by-step Directions
1. Prepare Baking Dish and Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Mix Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the chicken broth, cream of celery soup, and melted butter until smooth. Add in the uncooked rice, cubed chicken, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme, mixing well to ensure even distribution of flavors.
3. Bake the Casserole
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil. Place in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
4. Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Remove the foil and sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the bake. Return to the oven and continue baking, uncovered, for about 10 more minutes, or until the cheese has melted and become bubbly.
5. Rest Before Serving
After removing from the oven, let the casserole sit for around 10 minutes to settle the flavors and thicken slightly, making it easier to serve.
Servings & Preparation Time
The recipe serves approximately 6-8 people and takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes to prepare and cook.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen before baking. Assemble the casserole, wrap it tightly in foil, and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
- Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave, covering the dish to retain moisture. For larger amounts, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake is not only easy to make but also fills the room with its inviting aroma, promising a satisfying meal that is both comforting and flavorful. Ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend meals, it’s a wonderful dish that combines the richness of cheese, the heartiness of chicken, and the simplicity of rice into a single casserole that’s sure to be requested time and again.
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Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake
- Total Time: 37 minute
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
Description
The Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake is a quintessential comfort food dish that combines creamy textures with simple, hearty ingredients. Ideal for a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering, this casserole features tender chicken pieces enveloped in a creamy sauce, fluffy rice, and a golden, cheesy topping. Easily assembled and baked to perfection, this dish promises to be a delightful treat that appeals to both adults and children alike.
Ingredients
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 (10.5 oz) cans cream of celery soup
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken fillets, cubed
- 2 cups white rice, uncooked
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish and Oven Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Mix Ingredients In a medium bowl, combine the chicken broth, cream of celery soup, and melted butter until smooth. Add in the uncooked rice, cubed chicken, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme, mixing well to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Bake the Casserole Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil. Place in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking Remove the foil and sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the bake. Return to the oven and continue baking, uncovered, for about 10 more minutes, or until the cheese has melted and become bubbly.
- Rest Before Serving After removing from the oven, let the casserole sit for around 10 minutes to settle the flavors and thicken slightly, making it easier to serve.
- Prep Time: 1 hour and 45 minutes